Harm Reduction Support Volunteer

This new exciting volunteer role will be all about supporting Spring House harm reduction team in reducing the harm caused by drug misuse. You'll be trained in giving service users the knowledge, support, and equipment they need to make informed choices and keep themselves safe. You will be involved in promoting and delivering needle and syringe provisions, naloxone, nyxoid, HIV testing, dry blood spot testing, urine screening and supporting with motivational sessions.

You will be encouraging and promoting treatment options within the service, as well as signposting and referring to other support services available. You'll be actively offering information, advice, and interventions, and creating a safe environment through the safe disposal of needle and syringe equipment.

Delivering harm reduction interventions can be fast paced, with only a small amount of time to engage those who use our services, so you'll need to be able to build trust and effectively engage with people. No two days are the same, and you can really make a difference in helping to keep people safe. You'll be provided with all the skills, knowledge, and support you need to undertake the role.

Full training and shadowing opportunities will be provided for this exciting new role. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.

• Dry Blood Spot Testing (DBSTs): Perform DBSTs to screen for blood-borne viruses.
• Administering Naloxone: Provide naloxone to reverse opioid overdoses and educate clients on its use.
• Recording Interventions: Accurately document all interventions and client interactions.
• Conduct urine screenings
• Motivational Interviewing: Engage clients in motivational interviewing to encourage positive behaviour change.
• Telephone Support: Offer telephone support to clients, providing guidance and assistance as needed.
• Making calls with service users, giving them the space to talk and offload
• Take a non-judgemental approach to your conversations
• Encourage and support service users to complete the pulse survey
• Make the space to regularly reflect on how things are going and keep your supervisor up to date on what you are feeling and thinking.